By Vivian Emoni
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has reiterated its commitment to guiding Nigerian exporters on regulatory standards required for agricultural and food products to enter the European Union market.
Mrs Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director of NEPC, said this during a technical webinar for non-oil exporters in Abuja on Thursday, with the theme, “EU Regulations for Importation of Nigeria’s Agri-Food Products”.
Ayeni said that the programme focused on EU rules governing food safety, traceability, and product standards, noting that the EU accounted for about 26 per cent of Nigeria’s total trade.
She described the webinar as timely and strategic, designed to provide practical guidance on sanitary and phytosanitary standards, traceability systems, sustainable production, packaging, labeling, certification, and maximum residue limits.
“The European market offers significant opportunities for Nigerian exporters due to strong demand for agricultural products,” she said.
According to Ayeni, better compliance could significantly expand market share and foreign exchange earnings.
“Major exports from Nigeria include cocoa, oilseeds, fish, seafood, rubber, leather and wood products, However, non-oil exports currently account for about 10 per cent of Nigeria’s exports to the EU,” she said.
She said that global trade prioritised sustainability, traceability, and consumer safety, adding that value addition for commodities like sesame, ginger, hibiscus, fruits, vegetables, and processed foods could enhance competitiveness.
She said that the council had continued to train exporters on standards, packaging, labeling, and certification to reduce the rejection of Nigerian products in international markets and to ensure seamless access to EU markets.
“Exporters who adhere to the standard will not only access EU markets seamlessly, but will also strengthen their capacity to compete globally.”
Amb. Nura Rimi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, said that agriculture remained the backbone of Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, adding that compliance is key to market access in the EU.
Rimi, represented by Mr Felix Nwachinemere, Assistant Director, Commodity and Export Department, said that sesame seeds, cashew, and ginger had strong demand globally, including in the EU, reinforcing Nigeria’s export potential.
Mrs Faith Ekwekwo, representing the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels, commended NEPC and partners for the successful programme, noting that initiatives like Agri-Info equipped exporters with timely information to improve compliance and strengthen international trade performance. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
